Method and Apparatus for Coupling and Adjusting a Wheelchair to an Exercise Device

ABSTRACT

The invention provides an apparatus comprising (a) a main body having at least one limb exercising mechanism; (b) a base for supporting an object; (c) at least one connector secured to the main body and the base, the connector being extendable to vary the distance between the main body and the base; and (d) a control panel for directing the action of the connector such that the control panel can be used to direct extension of the connector and thereby the positioning of the exercising mechanism relative to the base.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 06/997,107, filed Sep. 29, 2007, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein, in the entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to methods and apparatus for coupling and adjusting a wheelchair to an exercise device, providing the person in the wheelchair with the opportunity to exercise in safe and comfortable conditions.

2. Description of Related Art

Various types of devices tailored to physical health and exercise exist in the consumer market. Some examples of these exercise devices include stationary bicycles, weight lifting devices, and rowing machines. These devices or machines are typically designed for and used by individuals who are not mobility impaired.

Individuals with a severe injury or disability will also likely have difficulty utilizing such devices properly, especially if they are confined to a wheelchair. Elderly or handicapped persons confined to wheelchairs are at an extreme disadvantage in the areas of mobility, maneuverability, and sometimes dexterity. Attempted use of exercise devices by persons in wheelchairs can be problematic, if not dangerous, due to instability and movement of the wheelchair relative to the exercise device. Although wheelchairs typically have wheel brake systems, these wheel brakes systems are not designed to handle a significant load. Moreover, the brakes ultimately rely on frictional forces between the wheels and the floor. Thus, the brakes are incapable of eliminating movement of the wheelchair relative to the exercise device.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,648,358, to Catanescu, et al., issued Nov. 18, 2003, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Coupling a Wheelchair to an Exercise Device”, discloses a device and method for coupling a wheelchair to an exercise device. The invention provides for receiving the first wheel of a wheelchair into a first wheel stop to limit forward mobility relative to the exercise device. A pin is inserted through the wheel stop and behind the inner periphery of the wheel to limit backward motion of the wheelchair and thereby securing the wheelchair. The leg of the exercise device can be longitudinally adjusted to change the distance between the exercise device and the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,607,470, issued to Catanescu, et al., on Aug. 19, 2003, is to a “Method and Apparatus for Coupling a Wheelchair to an Exercise Apparatus”. The patent teaches an exercise method using a wheelchair-bicycle assembly. The wheelchair-bicycle assembly is generally comprised of a wheelchair that is positioned and blocked in front of a bicycle-type assembly using the wheelchairs brakes. The bicycle type assembly includes a main frame with two bars, support elements, a pedal mechanism and means for providing power drive to a bicycle wheel, and a device to monitor a user's exerted effort and virtual distance.

In an environment with more than one person using the same exercise device, the wheelchair exercise device assembly should allow for quick and comfortable coupling and distance adjustment relative to each person. In the absence of a means to adjust the distance between the person exercising and the exercise device itself, there can only be one fixed distance between each person and the exercise device. The fixed distance between the user and the exercise device may be suitable for some, but may not be suitable for others.

Thus, the art fails to provide an exercise device for persons of limited mobility, where the distance to the exercise element can be readily and simply adjusted by the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The exercise method and wheelchair exercise device assembly generally allows elderly and individuals with severe injuries or disabilities, who are bound to the wheelchair to exercise their legs in order to improve their health, to prevent muscle atrophy as well as to recover from injuries.

In view of limitations of known systems and methods, methods and apparatus for coupling a wheelchair to an exercise device or apparatus are described.

The invention provides an apparatus comprising (a) a main body having at least one limb exercising mechanism; (b) a base for supporting an object; (c) at least one connector secured to the main body and the base, the connector being extendable to vary the distance between the main body and the base; and (d) a control panel for directing the action of the connector such that the control panel can be used to direct extension of the connector and thereby the positioning of the exercising mechanism relative to the base.

In one embodiment, the control panel is electric and is elevated relative to the main body.

In another embodiment, the base is substantially flat and consists of a plate.

The invention provides for an object, such as a wheelchair.

The invention further comprises a stop attached to the base. The stop is a wheel stop for engaging the smaller anterior wheel of a conventional wheelchair, which comprises a grooved portion for receiving the anterior wheel of the wheelchair.

The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a plurality of wheel stops.

The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said plurality of wheel stops receive each of the two anterior wheels of the wheelchair, each associated with a corresponding wheel stop.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises a locking arm for securing the stop to a structural member of the wheelchair, such as a large posterior wheel of the wheelchair. The locking arm thereby limits movement of the wheelchair relative to the base.

In another preferred embodiment, the limb exercising mechanism is a pedal-type exercise apparatus similar to a bicycle assembly.

In one preferred aspect, the connector comprises a telescoping element.

The invention also provides a method of coupling a wheelchair to an exercise apparatus, said method comprising the steps of: a) positioning a wheel of a wheelchair against a wheel stop of an exercise apparatus; and b) securing a locking arm between at least one of the large wheels of the wheelchair and said wheel stop, to prevent movement of the wheelchair relative to the exercise device.

These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the apparatus and methods according to this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention and the attendant features and advantages thereof may be had by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 displays one embodiment of an apparatus for coupling a wheelchair to an exercise device as well as the length adjustment system between the wheelchair and the exercise device.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of a clamp which is coupling the rear wheel of the wheelchair with the wheel stop, the front wheel of the wheelchair cycle being already engaged into the wheel stop.

FIG. 3 is a detailed depiction of one embodiment of a the control mechanism for adjusting the distance between the exercise device and the wheelchair.

FIG. 4 is a detailed depiction of one embodiment of a clamp for use in coupling the wheelchair to the exercise device.

FIG. 5 is a detailed depiction of a second embodiment of the clamp used for coupling the wheelchair to the exercise device, where the clamp is secured to a stop.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Looking to the Figures, an example of the present invention is shown where the wheelchair 100 is coupled to an exercise device 110, as can be seen best in reference to FIG. 1. The wheelchair is a readily available type having at least two anterior wheels 120 and two posterior wheels 130. The exercise device is outfitted with wheel stops 140 designed to engage the wheels of the wheelchair.

In order to start coupling wheelchair to an exercise device the wheelchair user or assistant needs to position or move the wheelchair towards the exercise device until the anterior wheels 120 are received by the wheel stops 120. A locking element, or locking arm, is employed to secure the wheel chair relative to a base 160.

In reference to FIG. 4, the locking arm is depicted in the illustrated embodiment in the form of a clamp 150 which is shown as readily available type having a clamp handle 151 which allows a comfortable handling of the clamp 150. Clamp 150 also has an advanced handle 152 portion and a clamp release trigger 153. An example of a bar clamp that is suitable for use with the invention is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,134, the disclosure of which is incorporated herewith in its entirety.

The clamp mobile arm 154 is applied on the inside of the wheelchair posterior wheel 130. The clamp fixed arm 157 installed on the clamp fixed arm support 156 is applied on the wheel stop 140.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the clamp 150 can be handled by the wheelchair user or by an assistant for coupling the wheelchair 100 to the exercise device 110. The clamp 150 is extended to slightly exceed the distance between the wheel stop and a certain part of the wheelchair, preferably the posterior wheel 130. Once the clamp 150 is tightened, forward and backward movement of the wheelchair 100 relative to the base 160 of the exercise device 110 becomes limited. This stabilization provides the user with the opportunity to safely utilize the exercise device 110 while in the wheelchair. To add further stability, a second clamp 150 may be employed at the other side posterior wheel in the same way.

More particularly, and in reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the illustrated embodiment the clamp 150 is extended between the wheel stop 140 and the interior side of the wheelchair posterior wheel 130. The clamp can be used to connect the wheel stop 140 with any other part or component of the wheelchair 100. The user holds the handle 151 in one hand and repeatedly actuate the clamp advance handle 152 which makes the inside mechanism of clamp 150 and clamp mobile arm 155 to advance along the clamp bar 155. The advance of the clamp mobile arm 154 will gradually diminish the distance between the clamp mobile arm 154 and the clamp fixed arm 157 which is rigidly connected to the clamp fixed arm support 156 until the wheelchair anterior wheel 120 will be strongly pressed against the wheel stop 140 which is a signal that coupling is done.

To disengage the wheelchair by the exercise device the wheelchair user has to press the clamp release trigger 153 and retract the wheelchair anterior wheel 120 from the wheel stop 140. The clamp 150 may also include locking features to prevent the clamp falling out unintentionally during exercise.

In reference to FIG. 3, it can be seen how the adjustment of the distance between the exercise device 110 and the wheelchair 100 can be accomplished using the drive system 170, in this case utilizing a motor controlling a telescoping arm, or tube 171, to adjust the distance from plate 160 to exercise device 110. Inside of the drive system 175 there is an electric motor and some mechanical devices to convert the rotative motion of the electric motor into a linear motion of the pusher 157 protected by the extension tube 171.

The drive system is placed in the middle of the frame, connected by the exercise device frame 180 with the electric motor side and by a base metallic plate 160, with the terminal end of the pusher 172. The extension tube 171 is parallel with the U shape exercise device frame 180. The metallic platform 160 is made of aluminum which is designed to have a non-slippery surface.

The drive system 170 is connected to the 120 volt AC plug through a power supply 174 and a cable 173. The control cable 174 connects the drive system 175 with the control switch 176 for control of the forward or reverse directions.

A control panel 190 is shown as being elevated from the drive system 170. This control panel 190 may include various controls for activating or controlling various elements of the operation of the device, and may optionally include the control switch 176 and other readouts or controls for the drive system 170. Control panel 190 may also include readouts for the user of the system, such as time, rotations, resistance, calories burned, etc., as conventionally supplied for exercise devices. As shown in FIG. 1, this control panel 190 is elevated to make it readily accessible to the user in the wheelchair 100.

The stop wheels 140 are rigidly installed on the metallic plate 160. In one embodiment the tube 141 which can slide inside the end of the exercise device 180 is part of the wheel stop 140.

In the illustration in FIG. 1, at least four small wheels 200 are depicted as installed on the exercise device frame 180 for the purpose to reduce the friction between the floor and the exercise device frame 180.

To adjust the distance between the wheelchair base 160 and the exercise device 110 the user can actuate the control switch 176 for forward or reverse direction which will make the pusher 172 to start moving in the selected direction. For forward direction, the pusher 172 will push the exercise device 110 away from the metallic plate 160 and for the reverse direction the exercise device 110 will be retracted toward the metallic plate 160 within the movement limits of the pusher 172. The exercise device is moving because the small wheels 200 are supporting the exercise device frame and because the metallic plate 160 is pinned down due to the weight of the wheelchair 100 and the weight of the wheelchair user. During the length adjustment the tube 141 is sliding inside the end of the exercise device frame 180.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. 

1. An apparatus comprising: a) a main body having at least one limb exercising mechanism; b) a base for supporting an object; c) at least one connector secured to said main body and said base, said connector being extendable to vary the distance between said main body and said base; and d) a control panel for directing the action of said connector; whereby said control panel can be used to direct extension of said connector and thereby the positioning of said exercising mechanism relative to said base.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said control panel is electric.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said electric control panel is elevated relative to said main body.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said base is substantially flat.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said base comprises a plate.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said object is a wheelchair.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a stop attached to said base.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said stop is a wheel stop for engaging a wheel of a wheelchair.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein wheel stop comprises a grooved portion for receiving said wheel.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a plurality of wheel stops.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said plurality of wheel stops receive two anterior wheels of a wheelchair, each associated with a corresponding wheel stop.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a locking arm for securing said stop to a structural member of the wheelchair.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said structural member is a large posterior wheel of said wheelchair.
 14. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said locking arm limits movement of the wheelchair relative to said base.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said limb exercising mechanism is a pedal-type exercise apparatus.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein exercise apparatus is a bicycle assembly.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said connector comprises a telescoping element.
 18. A method of coupling a wheelchair to an exercise apparatus, said method comprising the steps of: a) positioning an anterior wheel of a wheelchair against a wheel stop of an exercise apparatus; and b) securing a locking arm between at least one of the large posterior wheels of the wheelchair and said wheel stop, to prevent movement of the wheelchair relative to the exercise device; wherein said locking arm has locking and releasing positions.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein step a) further comprises positioning said wheelchair such that said anterior wheel is received at least partially within a groove of said wheel stop.
 20. The method of claim 18 wherein said exercise apparatus comprises a main body comprising at least one limb exercising mechanism.
 21. The method of claim 18 wherein said exercise apparatus further comprises a base for supporting an object and at least one connector secured to said main body and said base, said connector being extendable to vary the distance between said main body and said base.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein said connector comprises a telescoping element.
 23. The method of claim 21 further comprising a control panel for directing the action of said connector whereby said control panel can be used to direct extension of said connector and thereby the positioning of said exercising mechanism relative to said base.
 24. The method of claim 23 wherein said control panel is electric.
 25. The method of claim 24 wherein said electric control panel is elevated relative to said main body.
 26. The method of claim 18 wherein said limb exercising mechanism is a pedal-type exercise apparatus.
 27. The method of claim 26 wherein said exercise apparatus is a bicycle assembly. 